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Between Pleasure and Pain: A Pilot Study on the Biological Mechanisms Associated With BDSM Interactions in Dominants and Submissives

Authors:
Elise Wuyts at University of Antwerp
Elise Wuyts
Nele De Neef
Nele De Neef
Nele De Neef
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Violette Coppens at University of Antwerp
Violette Coppens
Erik Fransen at University of Antwerp
Erik Fransen
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Abstract and Figures

Background BDSM is an abbreviation used to reference the concepts of bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism, enacted by power exchanges between consensual partners. Although pain is an evolutionary protection mechanism to prevent individuals from further exposing themselves to damage, afflicting or receiving pain is a core element of BDSM play. Aim To shed light upon the rewarding biological mechanisms associated with BDSM interactions. Methods Dominant and submissive counterparts of 35 BDSM couples were recruited through Fetlife, a BDSM-themed internet forum, and by word-of-mouth within the Belgian BDSM community. In order to control for social evening interaction effects, non-BDSM interested controls (n=27) were recruited at the bar of a local sports club and by word-of-mouth. Main outcome measures We compared the evolution of the stress and reward hormone levels of cortisol, beta-endorphins and endocannabinoids (2AG and AEA) in a group of BDSM practitioners before and after an active BDSM interaction with the levels in control individuals. Results We showed that submissives showed increases in cortisol levels due to BDSM interactions. Endocannabinoid levels in submissives increased during the play compared to the control group, but no such increase was observed in dominants. However, when taking play type into account, dominants showed a significant increase in endocannabinoids associated with power play but not with pain play. Conclusion Even though this is one of the first studies of its kind, we can conclude that there is a clear indication for increased pleasure in submissives when looking at biological effects of a BDSM interaction, which was related to the increases in experienced stress.
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Between pleasure and pain: a pilot study on the biological mechanisms
associated with BDSM interactions in dominants and submissives
Authors:
Dr. E Wuyts 1 ; Dr. N De Neef 2 ; V Coppens 1,3 ; E Fransen 4 ; E Schellens 1,3 ; M
Van Der Pol 5 ; Prof. M Morrens 1,3
Affiliations:
1 Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine
and Health Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,
manuel.morrens@uantwerpen.be.
2 Europe Hospitals, Campus St Michel, Brussels, Belgium.
3 University Department of Psychiatry, Campus Duffel, Duffel, Belgium,
manuel.morrens@uantwerpen.be.
4 StatUA, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, erik.fransen@uantwerpen.be
5 VZW 78/Fetish Club 78, Ham, Belgium
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Abstract:!
Background+
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,P0(77:%.,'.,1% .4+,,% .&9,'8% ;4&7,% ,)[/:&)6% .4,&+% )/+9(7% ,-,)&)6% '/3&(7%
&).,+(3.&/)'=%
%
Laboratory+assessments+
j)% ,(34% /2% .4,% ('',''9,).'8% *7//1% ;('% 1+(;)% *:% -,)&50)3.0+,% &)./% ()% L"?>C
3/(.,1% 3/77,3.&/)% .0*,=% X7('9(% ;('% ,<.+(3.,1% ;&.4&)% OA% 9&)0.,'% /2% .4,% *7//1%
3/77,3.&/)%*:%Vkb%3,).+&206(.&/)%(.%G%6%2/+%OT%9&)0.,'%()1%&99,1&(.,7:%'./+,1%(.%C
GTk=%J&.4&)%GV%4/0+'8%57('9(%'(957,'%;,+,%.+()'2,++,1%./%(%CWTkb%2+,,Q,+%;4,+,%
.4,:%;,+,%'./+,1%0).&7%(''(:,1=%
b/+.&'/7%Ebja?I8% *,.(% ,)1/+54&)'%E*CLd"I8% ()()1(9&1,% E>L>I% ()1% GC
(+(34&1/)/:767:3,+/7% EGC>KI% ;,+,% 9,('0+,1% &)% 1057&3(.,% % *:% % L)Q:9,CR&)N,1%
D990)/'/+*,).%>''(:%ELRD#>I%N&.'%1,-,7/5,1%*:%b7/01Cb7/),%E_#>I%(33/+1&)6%./%
.4,%9()02(3.0+,+l'%&)'.+03.&/)'=%
#(957,'%2+/9%.4,%.4+,,%6+/05'%;,+,%()(7:Q,1%&)%+()1/9&Q,1%',P0,)3,%;&.4%(77%
.4+,,%'(957,'%/2% (% '&)67,%'0*[,3.%/)%.4,%'(9,%57(.,% ()1% ()%,P0(7%1&'.+&*0.&/)%/2%
.4,%.4+,,% '0*[,3.% 6+/05'%5,+% 57(.,=% #(957,'%;&.4% (% 3/,22&3&,).%/2% -(+&(.&/)% EbeI%
mGTU%;,+,%,<3701,1%2+/9%'.(.&'.&3(7%()(7:','=%
%
Statistical+analyses+
!(',7&),% 1&22,+,)3,'% &)% 1,9/6+(54&3% -(+&(*7,'% *,.;,,)% .4,% .4+,,% 6+/05'% ;,+,%
,<(9&),1% *:% /),C;(:% >dje>8% 2/77/;,1% *:% 5/'.4/3% ?0N,:% M#"% .,'.% 2/+%
3/).&)0/0'% -(+&(*7,'% ()1% *:% X,(+'/)% b/).&)6,)3:% >)(7:','% 2/+% )/)C5(+(9,.+&3%
-(+&(*7,'=%
R/)6&.01&)(7% 1(.(% ;,+,% '3+0.&)&Q,1% *:% 0',% /2% R&),(+% $&<,1% $/1,7% ER$$I%
()(7:','% ;&.4% .4,% *&/7/6&3(7% 9(+N,+'% ('% /0.3/9,% -(+&(*7,'=% !(',1% /)% .4,%
R/67&N,7&4//1%ECGRRI%-(70,8%;,%2&..,1%(%9/1,7%.4(.%':'.,9(.&3(77:%&)3701,1%'0*[,3.%
D"% ()1% 57(.,% )09*,+% ('% +()1/9% &).,+3,5.'=% J,% ':'.,9(.&3(77:% &)3701,1% 6+/058%
.&9,% ()1% 6+/05n.&9,% &).,+(3.&/)% &)% .4,% 9/1,7% ('% 2&<,1% 2(3./+'%2/+% ,(34%
*&/9(+N,+=%>11&.&/)(77:8%./%3/).+/7%2/+%.4,%,22,3.'%/2%.4,%1,9/6+(54&3'8%;,%(11,1%
(6,8% !$D% ()1% !"D% ('% (11&.&/)(7% 2&<,1% 2(3./+% &)% .4,%(1[0'.,1% 9/1,7'=% j)7:% 2&<,1%
2(3./+'% '&6)&2&3().7:% 3/).+&*0.&)6% ./% .4,% 9/1,7% ;,+,% 9(&).(&),1=% ?4,% /0.50.'%
2+/9% .4,% 9&<,1% 9/1,7'% ()(7:','% (+,% +,5/+.,1% ('% lBC+(.&/% E"BIo% 5C-(70,l=% %?4,%
&)&.&(7% R$$% &)3701,% (77% 6+/05'=% D)% 3(',% /2% (% '&6)&2&3().% 6+/05n.&9,% &).,+(3.&/)8%
2/77/;% 05% R$$% ()(7:','% ,<57/+,1% .4,% 6+/05n.&9,% &).,+(3.&/)% &)% '0*9&''&-,'%
-,+'0'%3/).+/7'%/)%/),%4()1%()1%1/9&)().'%./%3/).+/7'%/)%.4,%/.4,+%./%,<57/+,%
;4&34%6+/05%1&22,+,)3,'% 3/).+&*0.,1%./%.4,%'&6)&2&3()3,%/2%.4,% &).,+(3.&/)% &)%.4,%
&)&.&(7%9/1,7=%B&)(77:8% ;4,)%'&6)&2&3().%.&9,%/+%6+/05n.&9,% ,22,3.'%;,+,%2/0)1%&)%
.4&'% 7(..,+% ()(7:'&'8% 5/'.C4/3% ()(7:'&'% ;&.4% ?0N,:% M#"% 3/++,3.&/)% 2/+% 907.&57,%
.,'.&)6%;('%3(++&,1%/0.%./%3/95(+,%.4,%/0.3/9,%*,.;,,)%.4,%.&9,%5/&).'%;&.4&)%
.4,%',5(+(.,%6+/05'=%
d/+9(7&.:% /2% /0.3/9,% -(+&(*7,'% ;('% ,-(70(.,1=% D)% /+1,+% ./% 34,3N% .4,%
(''095.&/)'% 2/+% .4,% 7&),(+% 9/1,7% ()(7:','8% ;,% 34,3N,1% .4,% )/+9(7&.:% /2% .4,%
+,'&10(7'%()1% 4/9/'3,1('.&3&.:% /2%-(+&()3,% 2/+% ,(34% /2%.4,% *&/9(+N,+'=% >L>8%GC
>K%()1%bja%;,+,%7/6C.+()'2/+9,1%./%/*.(&)%)/+9(7%1&'.+&*0.&/)=%M/9/6,),&.:%/2%
-(+&()3,'%;('%('','',1%*:%0',%/2%.4,%R,-,),l'%.,'.=%
%
Results:!
Subjects+
",9/6+(54&3% &)2/+9(.&/)% &'% 5+,',).,1% &)% ?(*7,% O=% J4,+,('% @A% 3/057,'% ;,+,%
&)3701,1%&)%.4,%'.01:8%*7//1%'(957,'%/2%O%1/9&)().%()1%G%'0*9&''&-,'%3/071%)/.%
*,%()(7:',18%+,'07.&)6%&)%.4,%&)370'&/)%/2%@V%1/9&)().'%()1%@@%'0*9&''&-,'%&)%.4,%
2&)(7% ()(7:','=% #&6)&2&3().% (6,% ()1% 6,)1,+% ,22,3.'% ;,+,% 5+,',).8% ('% ;,77% ('% ()%
/-,+(77% 6+/05% ,22,3.% 2/+% !$D=% X/'.C4/3%?0N,:C^+(9,+% M#"% ()(7:','% +,-,(7,1% (%
'&6)&2&3().% (6,% 1&22,+,)3,% *,.;,,)% 1/9&)().'% ()1% 3/).+/7'% E5F=TTGVI8% ;&.4%
1/9&)().'%*,&)6%'7&64.7:%/71,+8% ;4,+,('% '0*9&''&-,'% 1&1% )/.% '&6)&2&3().7:% 1&22,+%
2+/9%,&.4,+%6+/05=%>'% 2/+% .4,% !$D% 1&22,+,)3,8%?0N,:%M#"%2/77/;%05%()(7:','%1&1%
)/.% +,-,(7% ():% '&6)&2&3().% 1&22,+,)3,% *,.;,,)% 6+/05'=% K,)1,+% 1&22,+,)3,'% ;,+,%
(..+&*0.(*7,% ./% .4,% 2(3.% .4(.% 9/'.% 1/9&)().% 5(+.&3&5().'% ;,+,% 9(7,% ESWUI%
;4,+,('%'0*9&''&-,'%.,)1,1%./%*,%2,9(7,%EH@UI=%$,()%10+(.&/)%/2%.4,%57(:%;('%
A@=A%9&)0.,'%EpgC%OV=S%9&)0.,'I=%#,)'/+:%1,5+&-(.&/)%57(:,1%(%9&)/+%+/7,%&)%A%/2%
.4,%&).,+(3.&/)'8%()1%(%9([/+%+/7,%&)%()%(11&.&/)(7%A%/2%.4,9=%
%
%%% % % CCDd#La?%?>!RL%O%>!j_?%MLaL%C%C%
%
Biological+markers+in+dominants,+submissives+and+controls+
b/)3,).+(.&/)'%/2%.4,%2/0+%*&/9(+N,+'%/-,+%.4,%.4+,,%.&9,%5/&).'%E?O8%?G%()1%?@I%
&)%.4,%.4+,,%'0*[,3.%6+/05'%(+,%5+,',).,1%&)%B&60+,%O=%
?4,%.&9,n6+/05%&).,+(3.&/)%;('%.4,%/)7:%5+,1&3./+%2/+%3/+.&'/7%7,-,7'%&)%.4,%R$$%
EBFA=VT%EV8OOOIo%5F=TTTAI=% d,&.4,+%(6,8%6,)1,+8%!$D%)/+%!"DC'3/+,'%3/).+&*0.,1%
./%.4,%9/1,78%/+%3/071%(33/0).% 2/+%():%/2%.4,',% ,22,3.'=%B/77/;C05%R$$%()(7:','%
*,.;,,)%1/9&)().'%()1% 3/).+/7'%/)%/),%4()18% ()1%'0*9&''&-,'%()1%3/).+/7'%/)%
.4,% /.4,+% +,-,(7,1% .4(.% .4&'% .&9,n6+/05% &).,+(3.&/)% ;('% (..+&*0.(*7,% ./%(%
'&6)&2&3().% .&9,n6+/05% &).,+(3.&/)% *,.;,,)% '0*9&''&-,'% ()1% 3/).+/7'% EBFA=@Ao%
5F=TTSSI=%D)%3/).+('.8%)/%'&6)&2&3().%.&9,n6+/05%&).,+(3.&/)'%;,+,%5+,',).%;4,)%
3/95(+&)6% 1/9&)().'% ()1% 3/).+/7'=% X(&+;&',% 3/95(+&'/)% /2% .4,% 3/+.&'/7% 7,-,7'%
*,.;,,)% .4,% 1&22,+,).% .&9,% 5/&).'% E;&.4% ?0N,:% M#"% 3/++,3.&/)I% ;&.4&)% .4,%
'0*9&''&-,% 6+/05% +,-,(7,1% .4(.% 3/95(+,1% ./% *(',7&),8% % ?G% E.C+(.&/F% C@=WAo%
5F=TTOOI% ()1% ?@% E.C+(.&/% F% CG=`Ao% 5F=TO@WI% 3/+.&'/7% 7,-,7'% ;,+,% '&6)&2&3().7:%
&)3+,(',1=%d/%'034%.&9,%,22,3.'%;,+,%2/0)1%&)%.4,%.;/%/.4,+%6+/05'=%
d/% '&6)&2&3().% .&9,8% 6+/05% /+% .&9,n6+/05% &).,+(3.&/)'% ;,+,% 2/0)1% 2/+% *,.(C
,)1/+54&)=%%
%
>L>% 3/)3,).+(.&/)'% ;,+,% 5+,1&3.,1% *:% (% '&6)&2&3().% .&9,n6+/05% ,22,3.% EBFG=VWo%
5F=TVWSI%()1%/2%3/+.&'/7%3/)3,).+(.&/)'%EBFOTT=OVo%5q=TTTOI=%>6(&)8%)/),%/2%.4,%
/.4,+% 3/-(+&(.,'% 3/).+&*0.,1% ./% .4,% 9/1,7=% >6(&)8% .4,% 6+/05n.&9,% &).,+(3.&/)%
,22,3.% ;('% ,<57(&),1% *:% .4,% &).,+(3.&/)% *,.;,,)% '0*9&''&-,'% ()1% 3/).+/7'%
EBF@=AGo% 5F=T@VVI=% X/'.4/3% ()(7:'&'% ;&.4% %?0N,:% M#"% 3/++,3.&/)% ;&.4&)% .4,%
'0*9&''&-,%6+/05%+,-,(7,1%(%'&6)&2&3().%1&22,+,)3,%&)%>L>%3/)3,).+(.&/)%*,.;,,)%
*(',7&),% ()1% ?@% E.FG=H@o% 5F=TGOWI% ;4,+,('% .4,% 3/95(+&'/)% *,.;,,)% *(',7&),%
()1%?G%/)7:%'4/;,1%(%.+,)1%./;(+1'%'&6)&2&3()3,%E.FG=OGo%5F=T`GAI=%
b/)3,).+(.&/)'% /2% L)1/3())(*&)/&1% GC>K% ;,+,% 5+,1&3.,1% *:% 3/+.&'/7% 7,-,7'%
EBFWO8HHo%5q=TTTOI%()1%9(+6&)(77:%'&6)&2&3().7:%*:% 6+/05%EBFG=AHo%5F=TWG`I=%d/%
.&9,n6+/05% &).,+(3.&/)'% ;,+,% 2/0)1=% B/77/;C05% ?0N,:% M#"% ()(7:','% &)% .4,%
'0*9&''&-,'%'4/;,1%(%*/+1,+7&),%'&6)&2&3().%1&22,+,)3,%*,.;,,)%*(',7&),%()1%?@%
E.FG=@So%5F=TAHTI8%'&9&7(+%./%.4,%2&)1&)6'%;&.4%>L>=%
"/9&)().'%()1%3/).+/7'%1&1%)/.%1&22,+%/)%,&.4,+%>L>%/+%GC>K=%
%
Impact+of+sexual+experience+of+the+interaction+
X(+.&3&5().'%+(.,1%.4,%,<5,+&,)3,1%',<0(7%.,)'&/)%/2%.4,%&).,+(3.&/)=%B&2.,,)%/0.%
/2% @V% 1/9&)().'% ()1% OH% /0.% /2% @@% '0*9&''&-,'% +(.,1% .4,% ,<5,+&,)3,% ./% 4(-,% (.%
7,('.%'/9,%',<0(7% .,)'&/)=%D)%.4,%1/9&)().% 6+/058%\',<0(7%.,)'&/)]C'3/+,'%E9,()%
'3/+,% @=O% EO=AIo% +()6,h% OCSI%3/++,7(.,1% ./% >L>C3/)3,).+(.&/)'% E#5,(+9()]'%
+4/F=GAGo%5F=TO@I%()1%GC>K%3/)3,).+(.&/)'% E#5,(+9()]'% +4/F=GVAo% 5F=TOVI8%*0.%
)/%3/++,7(.&/)'%;,+,%2/0)1%;&.4%():%/2%.4,%*&/7/6&3(7%9,('0+,'%&)%.4,%'0*9&''&-,%
6+/05%E9,()%'3/+,%',<0(7%.,)'.&/)h%@=G%EO=@Io%+()6,h%OCSI=%%
>% ./.(7% /2% S% /0.% /2% @@% '0*9&''&-,'% +,5/+.,1% +,(34&)6% ()% /+6('9% 10+&)6% .4,%
&).,+(3.&/)=%?4,%-(+&(*7,%E5+,',)3,%/2%/+6('9%:,'g)/I%,).,+,1%.4,%9/1,78%*0.%1&1%
)/.%4(-,%():%5+,1&3.&-,%-(70,%./;(+1'%():%/2%.4,%*&/7/6&3(7%-(+&(*7,'=%
%
Impact+of+the+type+of+BDSM+interaction+in+dominants+and+submissives+
D)% 2/77/;% 05% ()(7:','8% .4,% &95(3.% /2% .:5,% /2% 57(:% /)% .4,',% *&/9(+N,+'% ;('%
,-(70(.,1%2/+%,(34%6+/05%',5(+(.,7:=%"&34/./9/0'%-(+&(*7,'%;,+,%3+,(.,1%*(',1%
/)%.4,%/*',+-,+'%'3/+,'%./% 1,.,+9&),% ;4,.4,+% 5(&)% 57(:% ;('%5+,',).%E)FGAI%/+%
)/.%E)FWI8%()1%./%;4(.%,<.,).%.4,%/*',+-,+%1,,9,1%.4,%&).,+(3.&/)%./%,)3/95(''%
5/;,+%57(:%E)FOGI%/+%)/.%E)FO`I=%
"/9&)().'% ,)6(6,1% &)% 5/;,+% 57(:% 1&1% 1&'57(:% 4&64,+% >L>% EBFA=OHWo% 5F=T@TGI%%
()1%4&64,+%GC>K%EBFV=AO%E@TIo%5FT=TVGOI%7,-,7'%-,+'0'%.4/',% ;4/%1&1%)/.=%d/),%
/2%.4,%5+,-&/0'7:%9,).&/),1%3/-(+&(.,'%'&6)&2&3().7:%3/).+&*0.,1%./%.4,',%9/1,7'=%
b/+.&'/7%()1%*,.(C,)1/+54&)'%;,+,%)/.%(22,3.,1%*:%5/;,+%57(:%&)%1/9&)().'=%
J4,.4,+%5(&)%57(:%;('%&957,9,).,1%/+%)/.%1&1%)/.%(22,3.%():%/2%.4,%*&/9(+N,+'%
&)%1/9&)().'=%
D)% '0*9&''&-,'8% 5/;,+% 57(:% 1&1% )/.% &95(3.% ():% /2% .4,% *&/7/6&3(7% 9(+N,+'=%
M/;,-,+% .4,% 5+,',)3,% /2% 5(&)% 57(:% ;('% (''/3&(.,1% ;&.4% 4&64,+% 7,-,7'% /2% GC>K%
E.FG=GS% E@AIo% 5FT=T@TI8% ;4&34% ;('% ,<57(&),1% *:% (% .+,)1% ./;(+1'% '&6)&2&3().%
1&22,+,)3,% *,.;,,)% ?O% ()1% ?G% E.FCO8HG% EASIo% 5FT=T`GI=% >7.4/064% .4,+,% ;('% (%
;,(N% .+,)1% ./;(+1'% ()% ,22,3.% 2/+% 5(&)% 57(:% /)% >L>% 3/)3,).+(.&/)'% &)%
'0*9&''&-,'8%.4&'%,22,3.%;('%)/.%'&6)&2&3().%E.FO8VS%E@AIo% 5FT=OAVI=%X(&)%57(:%1&1%
)/.%(22,3.%*,.(C,)1/+54&)'%/+%3/+.&'/7%7,-,7'%&)%'0*9&''&-,'=%
%
Discussion!
Main+findings+
J,% &)-,'.&6(.,1% .4,% ,22,3.'% /2% ()% (3.0(7% !"#$C/+&,).,1% &).,+(3.&/)% *,.;,,)% (%
'0*9&''&-,% ()1% (% 1/9&)().% 5(+.),+% /)% .4,% *&/9(+N,+'% +,7(.,1% ./% +,;(+1%
E,)1/+54&)8%GC>K8%>L>I%()1%'.+,''%E3/+.&'/7I=%B&+'.%/2%(778%;,%',,%.4(.8%3/95(+,1%
./% )/)C!"#$% &).,+,'.,1%3/).+/7'8%3/+.&'/7% 7,-,7'%;,+,% '&6)&2&3().7:% ,7,-(.,1% (.%
*(',7&),%&)%'0*9&''&-,'8%*0.%)/.%1/9&)().'=% #0*9&''&-,'% ,<5,+&,)3,1% &)3+,(',1%
3/+.&'/7%7,-,7'%('%(%+,'07.%/2%.4,%57(:=%$/+,/-,+8%'/9,%,22,3.'%;,+,%(7'/%2/0)1%/)%
.4,% +,;(+1C+,7(.,1% *&/9(+N,+'h% ;4,+,('% )/% '&6)&2&3().% 34()6,'% ;,+,% 2/0)1% &)%
*,.(C,)1/+54&)'8% */.4% ,)1/3())(*&)/&1'% % ;,+,% &95(3.,1% &)% .4,% '0*9&''&-,'%
3/95(+,1% ./% 3/).+/7'% ('% (% +,'07.% /2% ()% &).,+(3.&/)% ;&.4% .4,&+% 5(+.),+8% ()% ,22,3.%
.4(.% 3/071% )/.% *,% 2/0)1% &)% .4,&+% 1/9&)().% 3/0).,+5(+.'=% b/+.&'/7% 7,-,7'% (7'/%
'&6)&2&3().7:%&)270,)3,1%,)1/3())(*&)/&1%7,-,7'=%
%
b/+.&'/7% 7,-,7'% &)% '0*9&''&-,'% &)3+,(',1% 10+&)6% .4,% 57(:8% ;4&34% 9(:% 4(-,%
+,'07.,1% 2+/9% .4,% 9,).(7% ()1% 54:'&3(7% '.&907(.&/)% 10+&)6% .4,% &).,+(3.&/)'%
*,.;,,)% */.4% 5(+.),+'% EO`I=% ?4,',%2&)1&)6'8% ;4&34% (+,% &)% 7&),% ;&.4% ,(+7&,+%
2&)1&)6'% /2% #(6(+&)% ()1% 3/77,(60,'% EOOI% 3/)2&+9% /0+% 4:5/.4,'&'% .4(.% (% !"#$%
&).,+(3.&/)'% ',,9'% ./% ,7&3&.% (% '.+,''% +,'5/)',% 2+/9% .4,% */1:8% 9,('0+,1% *:% .4,%
&)3+,(',1% 3/+.&'/7% 7,-,7'=% >11&.&/)(77:8% 5,+2/+9&)6% ('% (% '0*9&''&-,% *,2/+,% ()%
(01&,)3,%9(:%,P0(77:%4(-,%3/).+&*0.,1% ./% .4,',%3/+.&'/7%&)3+,(','=%#(6(+&)%,.%(7%
EOOI% 1,9/)'.+(.,1% &)3+,(','% /2% 3/+.&'/7% &)% '0*9&''&-,'% GT% 9&)0.,'% (2.,+% 57(:8%
;4,+,('%.4,',%7,-,7'%)/+9(7&Q,1%(2.,+%VT%9&)0.,'=%?4&'%&'%&)%7&),%;&.4%/0+%'.01:8%
&)% ;4&34% 2&)(7% ('',''9,).% ;('% /)7:% OACGT% 9&)0.,'% (2.,+% .4,% &).,+(3.&/)8% ;4&34%
'.&77%'4/;,1%&)3+,(',1% 3/+.&'/7%7,-,7'=%D.%3()% *,%(''09,1%.4(.%3/+.&'/7% 7,-,7'%9(:%
4(-,%1,3+,(',1%7(.,+%/)8%*0.%.4,%7(3N%/2%'034%()%('',''9,).%&'%(%7&9&.(.&/)%&)%/0+%
'.01:=%
%
b4()6,'%&)103,1% *:% .4,% &).,+(3.&/)%&)% ,)1/3())(*&)/&1'% >L>% ()1% GC>K% ;,+,%
3/)'&'.,).7:% 5+,',).% &)% '0*9&''&-,'8% *0.% )/.% &)% 1/9&)().'% /+% 3/).+/7'=% >'% ;,%
3/).+/77,1% 2/+% .4,% &95(3.% /2% '/3&(7% &).,+(3.&/)'% &)% 6,),+(78% .4,% ,22,3.'% 3/071%
'5,3&2&3(77:%*,%3/).+&*0.,1%./%!"#$%57(:=%D)%3/).+('.8%)/%6+/05%1&22,+,)3,'%;,+,%
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&'% '&6)&2&3().7:% 4&64,+% .4()% '&9&7(+% +,',(+34%&)% .4,% 5('.8% .4&'% '.01:% /)7:% 4('% (%
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!
Clinical+implications+
a,',(+34%&)%.4&'%5(+.&307(+%./5&3%,)1,(-/+'%./%'4,1%(% 7&64.% /)% '/9,.4&)6% .4(.% &'%
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57,('0+,%,<5,+&,)3,%/)%.4,%/.4,+=%?4&'% 50.'%4:5/.4,','%2+(9&)6% !"#$%5+(3.&3,'%
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0)1,+'.()1&)6%.4,%*&/7/6&3(7%9,34()&'9'%*,4&)1%!"#$%&).,+(3.&/)'%&)%.4&'%;(:8%
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.4,%D).,+)(.&/)(7%b7(''&2&3(.&/)%/2%"&',(','%OT.4%,1&.&/)%EDb"COTI=%!,3(0',%/2%.4&'8%
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9,).(7%4,(7.4%5+/2,''&/)(7'%./%7//N%*,:/)1%.4&'%5(+.&307(+%-&,;%5/&).%()1%7,'',)%
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%
Conclusion:!
?4,%(2/+,9,).&/),1%+,'07.'%'066,'.%.4(.%5/;,+%57(:%4('%(%7(+6,+%57,('0+,%
3/95/),).%%2/+%1/9&)().'%&)%(%!"#$%&).,+(3.&/)'%.4()%5(&)%57(:=%D)%'0*9&''&-,'8%
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,<57(&),1%*:%(%5/'&.&-,%'.+,''%+,(3.&/)8%*0.%.4,+,%&'%(7'/%(%'&6)&2&3().%57,('0+,%
,<5,+&,)3,=%%?4&'%&'%'055/+.,1%*:%.4,%'.+/)6%(''/3&(.&/)%*,.;,,)%3/+.&'/7%7,-,7'%
()1%,)1/3())(*&)/&1%7,-,7'=%%
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&'%(%37,(+%&)1&3(.&/)%2/+%&)3+,(',1%57,('0+,%&)%'0*9&''&-,'%;4,)%7//N&)6%(.%
*&/7/6&3(7%,22,3.'%/2%(%!"#$%&).,+(3.&/)=%B0.0+,%+,',(+34%;&77%*,%),,1,1%./%
20+.4,+%/0+%N)/;7,16,%/)%.4,%*&/7/6&3(7%9,34()&'9'%&)-/7-,1%&)%!"#$%
&).,+(3.&/)'=%%
%
Acknowledgments:!
J,]1% 7&N,% ./% .4()N% efJ% HWgB,.&'4% b70*% HW%2/+% 3//+1&)(.&)6% .4,% &)370'&/)% /2%
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3/057,'%&)% .4,% '.01:8% ()1%e/79(+% LN,+,)% 2/+% .4,&+%4,75% &)% &)3701&)6%.4,%3/).+/7%
'(957,=%>% '5,3&(7%.4()N'%('%;,77%./%(77%.4,%3/057,'%.4(.%5(+.&3&5(.,1%()1%;,+,%'/%
27,<&*7,%&)%7,..&)6%0'%/*',+-,%()1%()(7:Q,%.4,',%&).&9(.,%&).,+(3.&/)'=%%
%
References:%
O=% b/55,)'%e8%?,)%!+&)N%#8%M0:'%J8%B+()',)%L8%$/++,)'%$=%>%#0+-,:%/)%
!"#$C+,7(.,1%>3.&-&.&,'h%!"#$%L<5,+&,)3,%b/++,7(.,'%;&.4%>6,%/2%B&+'.%
L<5/'0+,8%D).,+,'.%X+/2&7,8%()1%a/7,%D1,).&.:=%s/0+)(7%/2%',<%+,',(+34=%GTO`hOCW=%
L50*%GTO`gTOgGA=%
G=%",%d,,2%d8%b/55,)'%e8%M0:'%J8%$/++,)'%$=%!/)1(6,C"&'3&57&),8%
"/9&)()3,C#0*9&''&/)%()1%#(1/9('/34&'9%E!"#$I%B+/9%()%D).,6+(.&-,%
!&/5':34/'/3&(7%X,+'5,3.&-,h%>%#:'.,9(.&3%a,-&,;=%#,<0(7%9,1&3&),=%GTO`=%L50*%
GTO`gTVgT`=%
@=% s/Q&2N/-(%L8%B7,6+%s=%"/9&)()3,8%'0*9&''&-&.:%E()1%4/9/',<0(7&.:I%&)%
6,),+(7%5/507(.&/)h%.,'.&)6%/2%,-/70.&/)(+:%4:5/.4,'&'%/2%'(1/9('/34&'9%*:%
D).,+),.C.+(5C9,.4/1=%d,0+/%,)1/3+&)/7/6:%7,..,+'=%GTTSoGHESIhHOOCW=%L50*%
GTTSgOGgGS=%
V=%M/7-/,.%R8%M0:'%J8%b/55,)'%e8%#,,0;'%s8%K/,.4(7'%^8%$/++,)'%$=%B&2.:%
#4(1,'%/2%!,76&()%K+(:h%?4,%X+,-(7,)3,%/2%!"#$Ca,7(.,1%B().('&,'%()1%>3.&-&.&,'%
&)%.4,%K,),+(7%X/507(.&/)=%?4,%[/0+)(7%/2%',<0(7%9,1&3&),=%GTOHoOVE`IhOOAGC`=%
L50*%GTOHgTWgTH=%
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#0*'5(3,%&)%!"#$%b/).,<.'=%s/0+)(7%/2%X/'&.&-,%#,<0(7&.:%GTOHo@hVVCAV=%
S=%!/,3N,+%M8%#5+,)6,+%?8%#5&7N,+%$L8%M,)+&N',)%K8%^/55,)4/,2,+%$8%
J(6),+%^s8%,.%(7=%?4,%+0)),+l'%4&64h%/5&/&1,+6&3%9,34()&'9'%&)%.4,%409()%*+(&)=%
b,+,*%b/+.,<=%GTTWoOWEOOIhGAG@C@O=%L50*%GTTWgTGgGS=%
H=% J,&)*,+6%$#8%J&77&(9'%bs8%$/',+%b=%?4,%'/3&(7%3/)'.&.0,).'%/2%
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OT=% ^7,9,).%^a8%R,,%L$8%>9*7,+%s^8%M()'/)%#>8%b/9*,+%L8%J&,..&)6%"8%,.%(7=%
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>+34&-,'%/2%',<0(7%*,4(-&/+=%GTT`o@WEGIhOWSCGTT=%L50*%GTTWgTSgGT=%
OG=% s(90+.('%>f8%?/2('%?8%B(./0+/'%D8%d&N/7(&1&'%$K8%X('34(7&'%e8%u2().&%b8%,.%(7=%
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OV=% B0''%s8%#.,&)7,%s8%!&)1&7(%R8%>0,+%$^8%^&+344,++%M8%R0.Q%!8%,.%(7=%>%+0)),+l'%
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L50*%GTOAgOTgTH=%
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',<0(7%9,1&3&),=%GTOGo`ESIhOAWWCSTO=%L50*%GTOGgTVgT@=%
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*,4(-&/+=%GTOOoA`EAIhHSACHO=%L50*%GTOOgTOgTA=%
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,)1/3())(*&)/&1%()()1(9&1,=%!,4(-&/0+(7%*+(&)%+,',(+34=%GTO`o@A`hVOWCGH=%
L50*%GTOWgOOgOS=%
GG=% $,9/'%d^8%e,7(%a8%?(*/),%b8%K0(++(3&%B>=%L)1/3())(*&)/&1%&)270,)3,%/)%
5(+.),+%5+,2,+,)3,%&)%2,9(7,%+(.'=%X4(+9(3/7/6:8%*&/34,9&'.+:8%()1%*,4(-&/+=%
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G@=% #&907(%!R=%>%v"&22,+,).%L3/)/9:%/2%!/1&,'%()1%X7,('0+,'vih%
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4/9/',<0(7&.:=%GTOHhOCG`=%L50*%GTOHgOTgGH=%
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$('/34&'9%('%>11&3.&/)=%D).,+)(.&/)(7%[/0+)(7%/2%/22,)1,+%.4,+(5:%()1%
3/95(+(.&-,%3+&9&)/7/6:=%GTOHoSOEOAIhOHSTCHV=%L50*%GTOSgTGgTS=%
GA=% b4:,%u8%b4+&'.,)',)%L8%#/7/;&[%d8%u03,7%$=%?4,%L)1/3())(*&)/&1%#:'.,9%
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GH=% B0''%s8%K(''%X=%L)1/3())(*&)/&1'%()1%-/70).(+:%(3.&-&.:%&)%9&3,h%+0)),+l'%
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),0+/7/6:=%GTOToGGVEOIhOT@CA=%L50*%GTOTgTVgTO=%
GW=%B+,01%#=%?4+,,%,''(:'%/)%.4,%.4,/+:%/2%',<0(7&.:=%R/)1/)h%M/6(+.4%X+,''o%
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Table!1:!Demographic!and!clinical!variables!
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Table!2:!Mean!Biomarker!concentrations!(reported!as!mean(SD))!of!the!
three!groups!at!the!three!assessment!times!
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Table!3:!Delta!scores!(Mean,!SD)!between!measures!for!biomarkers!of!the!
three!groups!(Dominants,!Submissives,!Controls)!
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Figure!1:!!
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... Few studies have examined the underlying biological processes behind BDSM interactions, and further research is needed to comprehensively understand the driving mechanisms and physiology underlying the diverse landscape of BDSM (De Neef et al., 2019;Wuyts et al., 2020). For example, to the best of our knowledge, researchers have yet to observe BDSM interest or practice across the menstrual cycle, examining whether female hormonal changes may be associated with either. ...
... It has also been previously pointed out that the body's physiological response, particularly within the autonomic nervous system, is similar for nociceptive pain and sexual arousal (e.g., pupil dilation, elevated heart rate, skin conductance, respiration; Sutter, 1954, as cited in Wuyts et al., 2020. Wuyts et al. (2020) experimentally examined several biomarkers within BDSM interactions in a small pilot study of Flemish BDSM and non-BDSM practitioners. They experimentally and biologically confirmed what numerous psychometric and qualitative studies have previously asserted: pain from BDSM interactions elicits a physiological pleasure response in submissives. ...
... Thus, to perpetuate BDSM as pathological, when it is indeed a healthy form of intimacy for many (Wuyts & Morrens, 2022;Wuyts et al., 2020), can have harmful consequences in the therapeutic context. In such cases, it is possible that an erroneous association of kink or sexual fetishism with compulsion is partly to blame. ...
An Evolutionary Psychological Approach Toward BDSM Interest and Behavior
Article
Full-text available
Bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, and Sadism/Masochism (BDSM) have gained increased attention and discussion in recent years. This prevalence is accompanied by a shift in perceptions of BDSM, including the declassification of sadomasochism as a paraphilic disorder. Evolutionary psychology offers a unique perspective of why some individuals are interested in BDSM and why some prefer certain elements of BDSM over others (e.g., dominance versus submission). In this paper, we examine BDSM from an evolutionary standpoint, examining biopsychosocial factors that underlie the BDSM interests and practice. We articulate this perspective via an exploration of: proximate processes, such as the role of childhood experiences, sexual conditioning, and physiological factors; as well as ultimate explanations for power play and pain play dimensions of BDSM, highlighting the potential adaptive advantages of each. While BDSM may not be adaptive in itself, we examine the literature of sex differences in BDSM role preferences and argue that these preferences may stem from the extreme forms of behaviors which enhance reproductive success. In the realm of pain play, we explore the intersection of pain and pleasure from both physiological and psychological perspectives, highlighting the crucial role of psychological and play partner factors in modulating the experience of pain. Finally, we encourage future research in social sciences to utilize evolutionary frameworks to further explore the subject and help alleviate the mystification surrounding BDSM. This multifaceted exploration of BDSM provides valuable insights for clinicians, kink-identified individuals, and scholars seeking to understand the evolutionary perspectives of human sexual behavior and preferences.
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... It is not possible to conclude from these studies based on experimental stimuli whether similar mechanisms operate during actual BDSM interactions, in which there are complex sexualized power exchanges between consensual partners in addition to painful stimuli. However, the results of two recent studies showing increases in experimental pain thresholds and blood endocannabinoid levels a few minutes after BDSM interactions (Wuyts et al., 2020(Wuyts et al., , 2021 are consistent with a role for pain modulatory mechanisms during actual BDSM interactions. One limitation of our study is the small number of participants. ...
... Another limitation is the inclusion of only male subjects in this study. Thus, although previous studies including mixedsex populations of subjects with MB have found no major differences in pain perception between men and women with MB (Defrin et al., 2015;Kamping et al., 2016;Wuyts et al., 2020), we cannot generalize our results and it will be important to determine whether similar descending modulation-related mechanisms also operate in women with MB. ...
Pain and masochistic behavior: The role of descending modulation
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2022
Background: The mechanisms of pain perception in individuals with masochistic behavior (MB) remain poorly documented. We hypothesized that MB is associated with context-specific changes in descending pain modulation. Methods: We compared the effects of four standardized sets of images with positive (erotic), negative (mutilations), masochistic or neutral emotional valences on the RIII nociceptive reflex evoked by electrical stimulation of the sural nerve and recorded on the ipsilateral biceps femoris in 15 controls and 15 men routinely engaging in MB. We systematically assessed the RIII reflex threshold and recruitment curves (up to the tolerance threshold), thermal (heat and cold) pain thresholds measured on the upper and lower limbs and responses to the pain sensitivity questionnaire, to compare basal pain perception between our two groups of participants. We also assessed anxiety, depression, empathy, alexithymia, high sensation seeking and catastrophizing, to investigate their potential influence on the emotional modulation of pain. Results: Thermal pain thresholds, RIII reflex recruitment curves, and responses to the psychological and pain sensitivity questionnaires were similar in the two groups. Neutral, positive and negative images modulated the RIII reflex similarly in the two groups. By contrast, masochistic images induced a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in RIII reflex responses in subjects with MB, whereas it tended to increase these responses in control subjects. Conclusions: Our data suggest that psychological profile, basal pain sensitivity and the emotional modulation of pain are normal in individuals with MB, but that these subjects selectively engage descending pain inhibition in the masochistic context.
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... Yet, seven participants were kink-experienced or reported sexual activities that could be kinky or BDSM practices. Several studies show that individuals are interested in or participate in kink and BDSM but hesitate to self-identify with kink communities (Muzacz, 2021;Vivid et al., 2020;Wuyts et al., 2020). It is possible that our participants hesitated to identify with kink and BDSM due to (1) stigma (Cardoso et al., 2023;Thomas, 2020), (2) being early in the process of exploring their alignment with kink and BDSM community practices (Cardoso et al., 2023), (3) navigating the integration versus compartmentalization of their identity as a kink or BDSM practitioner (Hansen-Brown & Jefferson, 2023), or (4) difficulties with finding compatible partners (Damm et al., 2018). ...
"It Felt Sexually Liberating": An Examination of How Black Women's Awareness of Kink and BDSM Informs Their Sex Lives
Article
Kink and BDSM can have healing and liberatory potential for practitioners, whether kink-identified or not, particularly Black women and those who are members of alternative sexual communities. This study presents data from N = 22 kink/BDSM-identified, experienced, and non-kinky/BDSM Black ciswomen on their awareness of and engagement in kink and BDSM (bondage and discipline, sadism and masochism, dominance, and submission). Qualitative data were from Phase Two of The Big Sex Study, a #HotGirlScience participatory action project. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in four themes: (1) Kink/BDSM Introductions, (2) Identity Within/Outside of Kink/BDSM, (3) Kink/BDSM in Action (subthemes: Principles and Values, Sexual Practices, Partner Compatibility, and Digital Spaces), and (4) Liberation and Healing. Participants reported 49 kink/BDSM activities and demonstrated an awareness of kink/BDSM identities, values, and behaviors regardless of their experience or identification with kink/BDSM. We conclude with implications for research and practice.
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... Alternatively, pain and pleasure have been described as stimuli that are closely intertwined as they can both contribute to a hormonal reward experience within a sexual context. 28,29 People seeking pleasure in pain show a rise in cortisol and endorphin levels, which argues for the pleasure inducing impact of bodily induced stress that is also seen after sport activities. ...
The Self‐Assessment of genital anatomy, sexual function and genital sensation (SAGASF‐M) questionnaire in a Belgian Dutch‐speaking male population: A validating study
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2022
Introduction: Penile and genital surgery for congenital or acquired conditions is daily practice in reconstructive urology. These procedures, which carry the risk of disrupting nerves and blood vessels, may impair the genital sensation, and affect the capacity for sexual pleasure. Self-reported tools are needed to systematically assess the male genitalia before and after reconstructive surgeries in terms of genital sensation and sexual experience. Aim: This study validated the Dutch translation of the self-assessment of genital anatomy and sexual functioning (SAGASF-M) questionnaire and investigated the perceptions of healthy men regarding their genital anatomy and sensory function. Methods: Eight-hundred and eight sexually active men with a median age of 39 years (18-79 years) and no history of genital procedures other than circumcision filled out an online version of the questionnaire. Twenty-four participants were randomly recruited to confirm the responses of the SAGASF-M questionnaire by a clinical evaluation. Main outcome measures: The SAGASF-M questionnaire comprises of multiple-choice questions and clarifying illustrations asking men to rate their genital appearance, overall sexual sensitivity, and pain perception as well as the intensity and the effort to reach orgasm. Prespecified regions of the glans, penile shaft, scrotum, perineum, and anus are evaluated through this questionnaire. Results: Only slight variability in anatomical ratings was observed. Overall discrimination between different genital areas in terms of genital sensation was significant. The bottom of the glans or frenular area was rated the highest contributor to "Sexual pleasure", followed by the other regions of the glans and shaft. The same distribution was found for "Orgasm intensity" and "Orgasm effort". The anal region was generally rated the lowest. "Discomfort/Pain" was rated lower than any of the other sensory function indicators and the top of the glans and anal region were rated most likely to perceive this unpleasant sensation. Participants reported significantly more sexual pleasure and intense orgasms when stimulated by a sexual partner compared to self-stimulation. Homosexual and bisexual men reported a higher contribution of the perineal and anal regions in sexual pleasure and orgasm. No significant difference between circumcised and uncircumcised individuals regarding overall genital sensation could be found. Conclusion: The Dutch translation of the SAGASF-M questionnaire is a valuable and reliable tool for self-assessment of genital anatomy and sensation, providing a site-specific attribution of a patient's perceived sexual function. Further prospective research with this questionnaire could aid in the patient-centered improvement of genital surgery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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... Arguably, progress towards safe and effective treatment has been retarded by insufficient attention to understanding the role of spirituality in helping to heal people with Substance Use Disorders [42]. Assuming one accepts the belief that the brain mediates all conscious and unconscious experiences, including spiritual experiences: healing, reward deficiencies, can mend the processes by which the human brain is organized for controlling pleasure and pain [43]. ...
Neurobiology and Spirituality in Addiction Recovery
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2021
This commentary explores the neurobiology of spirituality and asks whether it is possible or desirable to apply genetic engineering to increase human spiritual and religious experience - (gene-spirituality) to deal better with the ever-increasing catastrophes that face humanity? Neurological connections between spirituality and reward genes, reward deficiencies (RDS) (hypodopaminergia), the mirror neuron system, and the default mode network are examined. Some interventions from addiction medicine that may be useful to enhance the neuro-spirituality connectome identified as a cornerstone of the Purpose and Meaning of Life as Reward (PMLR) are identified as reasonable targets for interventions to treat RDS and balance DMN activity.
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Wacana Seksualitas Perempuan Dominan Dalam Film Bertema BDSM “Love And Leashes”
Article
  • Mar 2024
Laporan penelitian ini menjelaskan bagaimana wacana seksualitas perempuan yang digambarkan sebagai karakter Dominan dalam relasi BDSM dalam film “Love and Leashes” (mulai ditayangkan di Netflix sejak Februari 2022). Analisis Wacana Kritis Sara Mills dengan empat strukturnya yaitu karakter/peran, fragmentasi, fokalisasi, dan skemata digunakan sebagai metode penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa film “Love and Leashes” mewacanakan perempuan yang menjadi subjek aktif dan setara dengan laki-laki, serta aktif mengekspresikan seksualitasnya, namun secara paradoks masih membebani perempuan dengan peran untuk menjaga seksualitasnya sendiri sekaligus seksualitas laki-laki. “Love and Leashes” mengkonstruksi kesetaraan relasi antara perempuan dan laki-laki, namun secara paradoks ingin melanggengkan ketidaksetaraan dalam masyarakat.
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Exploring the Evolutionary-Biological Basis of Mating Strategies in Submissive Women: A Comparative Study in Three Subgroups of BDSM Sex Practitioners
Article
  • Jan 2024
An evolutionary-biological framework may predict strengthened partners’ cohesion resulting from certain mating strategies. We compared interpersonal equality in a relationship, emotional (life scale) submissiveness toward other people (LS), and future partnership expectations in three groups of BDSM women. The first group experienced submission only during sexual activities (PLAY). The second group also felt submissive in the relationship (REL). The last group was sexually aroused by both submission and dominance (SWITCH). When comparing LS and future partnership expectations, REL scored higher, while PLAY did not differ from SWITCH. Therefore, we summed PLAY+SWITCH and compared them to REL. REL, who expected a hierarchical interpersonal difference in the relationship, wanted to invest more into the relationship, would have missed the partner more, and were more likely to reject single sexual encounters, short, or parallel relationships than PLAY+SWITCH. Our findings suggest a mating strategy that involves stronger rejection of short-term relationships and higher investments into the relationships. Women of the REL group were also more submissive toward other people, so we consider this subgroup highly vulnerable to discrimination. Furthermore, their effort to maintain the relationship can make them vulnerable to violent partners. the link for free eprints (limited number) is here: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/MUCUSS27ZM3Q5IQFUZ6V/full?target=10.1080/01639625.2023.2300683
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WACANA SEKSUALITAS PEREMPUAN DOMINAN DALAM FILM BERTEMA BDSM “LOVE AND LEASHES”
Article
  • Mar 2022
Laporan penelitian ini menjelaskan bagaimana wacana seksualitas perempuan yang digambarkan sebagai karakter Dominan dalam relasi BDSM dalam film “Love and Leashes” (mulai ditayangkan di Netflix sejak Februari 2022). Analisis Wacana Kritis Sara Mills dengan empat strukturnya yaitu karakter/peran, fragmentasi, fokalisasi, dan skemata digunakan sebagai metode penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa film “Love and Leashes” mewacanakan perempuan yang menjadi subjek aktif dan setara dengan laki-laki, serta aktif mengekspresikan seksualitasnya, namun secara paradoks masih membebani perempuan dengan peran untuk menjaga seksualitasnya sendiri sekaligus seksualitas laki-laki. “Love and Leashes” mengkonstruksi kesetaraan relasi antara perempuan dan laki-laki, namun secara paradoks ingin melanggengkan ketidaksetaraan dalam masyarakat.
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BDSM in North America, Europe, and Oceania: A Large-Scale International Survey Gauging BDSM Interests and Activities
Article
Full-text available
BDSM is a widespread and highly prevalent yet stigmatized practice of intimacy and sexuality. In recent years, international interest in BDSM research has grown, mainly resulting in prevalence studies in various countries. Yet, no research has, thus far, investigated international and intercontinental differences in the nature of BDSM interests and fantasies, BDSM roles and practicing contexts among BDSM practitioners. In order to explore international discrepancies in BDSM identity, fantasies, and activities among self-identified BDSM practitioners in an international survey, a group of FetLife (a social network website for BDSM and kink interested individuals) members (N = 1,112) originating from North America (n = 458), Europe (n = 566), Oceania (n = 46), and Other (n = 42) completed the survey. Europeans reported an earlier age of onset of fantasizing about BDSM than did North Americans. More North Americans indicated practicing BDSM in a public context than did Europeans and Oceanians. These differences could in part be explained by different cultural backgrounds, higher levels of religiosity, and current stigmas towards non-traditional sexual interests. Future research should focus on clarifying whether cultural mechanisms underlie these dissimilarities.
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Legătura dintre calitatea relațiilor interumane și practicile BDSM
Preprint
Full-text available
  • Jan 2023
Introducere: Profilul psihologic al practicantului BDSM a fost conturat ca extensie a conceptului psihanalitic de sadomasochism, ce denotă un comportament autodistructiv, inhibarea globală a plăcerii și sentimentelor pozitive, căutarea activă a suferinței în toate dimensiunile vieții, incapacitatea de a forma altfel de relații în afara celor bazate pe control și exploatare. Conceptul psihanalitic expune doar marginal comportamente sexuale bazate pe schimbul de putere și administrarea/experimentarea durerii, iar când acestea apar în discuție, observațiile sunt bazate pe cazuri nonconsensuale și eminamente patologice. Ca urmare, actele BDSM au fost puternic stigmatizate. Obiectiv: De a proba aplicabilitatea teoriilor psihanalitice privind relațiile subculturii BDSM și a construi un profil relațional unic subgrupului. Metodologie: Studiu cantitativ derulat pe 234 participanți, compus dintr-o secțiune dedicată prelevării datelor demografice pentru determinarea profilului sexual (genul, orientarea, fanteziile, practicile și identificarea ca practicant), o scală pentru măsurarea retroactivă a calității relației cu părinții, respectiv o scală dedicată intimității cu partenerul. Rezultate: Studiul nu a indicat diferențe semnificative statistic între practicanți și non-practicanți în ceea ce privește calitatea relației cu mama din timpul copilăriei – niciuna dintre următoarele subscale nu a indicat că practicarea BDSM s-ar asocia unei relații retrospective problematice cu mama: dragostea percepută, comportamentul punitiv al mamei, minimizarea impactului pedepselor de către adult, controlul exercitat de mamă, ambițiile mamei, mama ca model, reversarea rolului mamă-copil. Au fost descoperite diferențe limitate în relația cu tatăl: practicanții au simțit că au primit mai puțină afecțiune din partea tatălui în copilărie, au perceput contactului fizic dorit de tată mai degrabă ca excesiv și au preluat comportamentul tatălui într-o mai mică măsură drept model de urmat, comparativ cu non-practicanții. Calitatea relației cu partenerul a fost superioară în cazul practicanților, aceștia înregistrând scoruri mai bune în raport cu grija acordată partenerului și grija primită din partea partenerului, validarea acordată și primită, precum și în ceea ce privește intimitatea în mod global, nefiind însă observate diferențe statistice între grupuri în legătură cu înțelegerea acordată și primită în relația cu partenerul. Concluzii: În ciuda unui istoric deficitar sub aspectul afecțiunii paterne resimțite, practicanții prezintă o imagine prezentă favorabilă, printr-o calitate superioară a relației cu partenerul. Studiul nu a găsit aspecte care să justifice stigmatizarea practicanților, iar faptul că teoriile psihanalitice nu au fost aplicabile decât într-o mică măsură arată cât de necesară este o analiză a profilului psihologic al practicantului BDSM, diferențiată de conceptul psihanalitic de sadomasochism. Cuvinte-cheie: BDSM; sadomasochism; intimitate; cuplu; erotic; calitatea relației; copilărie; părinte-copil.
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Bondage-Discipline, Dominance-Submission and Sadomasochism (BDSM) From an Integrative Biopsychosocial Perspective: A Systematic Review
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2019
Background: BDSM (Bondage and discipline, Dominance and submission, and Sadism and Masochism) increasingly receives attention from the scientific community. Where earlier research efforts mainly focused on epidemiological characteristics, psychological and biological factors driving BDSM preferences have recently gained interest as well. Aim and Methods: The current systematic review brings together all the existing literature on BDSM from a biopsychosocial perspective. Results: Biological factors like gender identity, sex hormone levels and the neurological constitution of the brain’s pain and reward systems influence BDSM orientation. With regard to psychological factors, both personality traits (f.i. higher levels of openness or extraversion) and the presence of a personality disorder have been associated to a heightened BDSM interest, although only limited supporting evidence is available. Additionally, sensation seeking levels and impulsivity seem to contribute, as they presumably guide one’s drive to explore new and/or more intense kinks. As attachment styles impact couple dynamics they also influence willingness to explore limits in a BDSM context. Lastly, education levels impact relational and/or sexual dynamics. Strengths and Limitations: The limitations of the current review reflect those of the topical scientific literature. Although the number of studies focused on all aspects of BDSM is exponentially growing, most of these are only descriptive and very few focus on underlying driving processes. Conclusion: From this biopsychosocial perspective, we offer a dimensional approach while integrating the factors driving the onset and evolution of BDSM interests.
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The Endocannabinoid System and Cannabidiol's Promise for the Treatment of Substance Use Disorder
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2019
Substance use disorder is characterized by repeated use of a substance, leading to clinically significant distress, making it a serious public health concern. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in common neurobiological processes underlying substance use disorder, in particular by mediating the rewarding and motivational effects of substances and substance-related cues. In turn, a number of cannabinoid drugs (e.g., rimonabant, nabiximols) have been suggested for potential pharmacological treatment for substance dependence. Recently, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, has also been proposed as a potentially effective treatment for the management of substance use disorder. Animal and human studies suggest that these cannabinoids have the potential to reduce craving and relapse in abstinent substance users, by impairing reconsolidation of drug-reward memory, salience of drug cues, and inhibiting the reward-facilitating effect of drugs. Such functions likely arise through the targeting of the endocannabinoid and serotonergic systems, although the exact mechanism is yet to be elucidated. This article seeks to review the role of the endocannabinoid system in substance use disorder and the proposed pharmacological action supporting cannabinoid drugs' therapeutic potential in addictions, with a focus on CBD. Subsequently, this article will evaluate the underlying evidence for CBD as a potential treatment for substance use disorder, across a range of substances including nicotine, alcohol, psychostimulants, opioids, and cannabis. While early research supports CBD's promise, further investigation and validation of CBD's efficacy, across preclinical and clinical trials will be necessary.
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A Survey on BDSM-related Activities: BDSM Experience Correlates with Age of First Exposure, Interest Profile, and Role Identity
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2019
BDSM is an omnibus term covering a spectrum of activities within bondage/discipline, dominance/submission, and sadism/masochism relationships. To date, BDSM practitioners experience stigma due to a general unfamiliarity with the practice and marginalization of this type of sexual behavior. Destigmatization occurs partly through knowledge expansion and identification with the stigmatized group. In this study within the Belgian population, we aimed to characterize certain aspects of socioeconomic status and specific BDSM preferences of individuals with differing BDSM experience levels. We show that individuals who perform BDSM in a community setting (BDSM clubs, events. BDSM-CP) are generally higher educated, are significantly younger when first becoming aware of their inclination toward kink-oriented sex, and have a more strict BDSM role identity (Dom vs. Sub) than individuals who engage in BDSM-related activities in a private setting (BDSM-PP). This latter group in turn display a more pronounced Dom/Sub identification than individuals who only fantasize about the practice (BDSM-F). Our data indicate BDSM interest is a sexual preference already manifesting at early age, with role identification profiles becoming gradually more pronounced based on the practitioner’s contextual experience.
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Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2018
  • INT J MOL SCI
The biological effects of cannabinoids, the major constituents of the ancient medicinal plantCannabis sativa(marijuana) are mediated by two members of the G-protein coupled receptor family, cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R) and 2. The CB1R is the prominent subtype in the central nervous system (CNS) and has drawn great attention as a potential therapeutic avenue in several pathological conditions, including neuropsychological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, cannabinoids also modulate signal transduction pathways and exert profound effects at peripheral sites. Although cannabinoids have therapeutic potential, their psychoactive effects have largely limited their use in clinical practice. In this review, we briefly summarized our knowledge of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, focusing on the CB1R and the CNS, with emphasis on recent breakthroughs in the field. We aim to define several potential roles of cannabinoid receptors in the modulation of signaling pathways and in association with several pathophysiological conditions. We believe that the therapeutic significance of cannabinoids is masked by the adverse effects and here alternative strategies are discussed to take therapeutic advantage of cannabinoids.
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Fifty Shades of Belgian Gray: The Prevalence of BDSM-Related Fantasies and Activities in the General Population
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2017
Background: Bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism (BDSM) is gaining popularity through the mainstream media. Nevertheless, very little is known about the prevalence of BDSM-related fantasies and activities in the general population. Aim: To determine the prevalence of BDSM fantasies and behavioral involvement in four different age groups of the general population in Belgium. Methods: By use of a cross-sectional survey questionnaire, the level of interest in several BDSM-related activities was investigated in a sample representative of the general Belgian population (N = 1,027). The questionnaire evaluated interest in 54 BDSM activities and 14 fetishes. Self-identification as BDSM practitioner, situational context of BDSM practice, age at awareness of these interests, and transparency to others were queried. Outcomes: Individual item scores and summary scores on four BDSM categories were included in the analyses. Results: A high interest in BDSM-related activities in the general population was found because 46.8% of the total sample had ever performed at least one BDSM-related activity and an additional 22% indicated having (had) fantasies about it. Interestingly, 12.5% of the total population indicated performing at least one BDSM-related activity on a regular basis. When asked whether they saw themselves as being interested in BDSM, 26% stated this to be the case and 7.6% self-identified as BDSM practitioners. Interests in dominant and submissive activities were comparable and, remarkably, were highly intercorrelated. BDSM and fetish interests were significantly higher in men than in women. The older group (48-65 years) had significantly lower BDSM scores compared with their younger peers. Of participants with a BDSM interest, 61.4% became aware of it before 25 years of age. Clinical implications: There is a high level of interest in BDSM in the general population, which strongly argues against stigmatization and pathologic characterization of these interests. Strengths and limitations: This is the first thorough study concerning prevalence of interest in and fantasies about a wide range of BDSM-related activities in the general population worldwide. Although our findings tend to argue against it, we cannot completely rule out participation bias introduced by non-interest in the non-completers. In addition, some topics might have been subject to interpretation by the respondents. Conclusion: Interest in BDSM is present in most of the general population. Further research is needed to destigmatize it by confirming BDSM as a leisurely preference rather than a psychiatric affliction. Holvoet L, Huys W, Coppens V, et al. Fifty Shades of Belgian Gray: The Prevalence of BDSM-Related Fantasies and Activities in the General Population. J Sex Med 2017;XX:XXX-XXX.
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Extreme rituals in a BDSM context: the physiological and psychological effects of the ‘Dance of Souls’
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2016
Participation in extreme rituals (e.g., fire-walking, body-piercing) has been documented throughout history. Motivations for such physically intense activities include religious devotion, sensation-seeking and social bonding. The present study aims to explore an extreme ritual within the context of bondage/discipline, dominance/submission and sadism/masochism (BDSM): the ‘Dance of Souls’, a 160-person ritual involving temporary piercings with weights or hooks attached and dancing to music provided by drummers. Through hormonal assays, behavioural observations and questionnaires administered before, during and after the Dance, we examine the physiological and psychological effects of the Dance, and the themes of spirituality, connectedness, transformation, release and community reported by dancers. From before to during the Dance, participants showed increases in physiological stress (measured by the hormone cortisol), self-reported sexual arousal, self-other overlap and decreases in psychological stress and negative affect. Results suggest that this group of BDSM practitioners engage in the Dance for a variety of reasons, including experiencing spirituality, deepening interpersonal connections, reducing stress and achieving altered states of consciousness.
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Sexual interaction is essential for the transformation of non-copulating rats into sexually active animals by the endocannabinoid anandamide
Article
  • Nov 2018
  • BEHAV BRAIN RES
The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) transforms half of the population of previously non-copulating (NC) rats into sexually active animals in a long-lasting manner. The aim of this work was to explore the nature of this transformation. We identified the dose range in which AEA induces mating behavior in previously NC rats, which evidenced a dose-based, biphasic profile for AEA to induce the transformation of NC rats. We demonstrate that the sexual interaction with a receptive female, involving at least an intromission, is essential for AEA to induce the transformation of NC rats. This AEA-induced conversion is centrally mediated and involves the activation of CB1 receptors. Results indicate that the sexual impairment of this population of NC rats relies on their incapacity to initiate sexual activity and that an unidentified brain inhibitory influence on sexual behavior expression is removed by AEA treatment, allowing previously NC rats to show copulatory behavior in a long-lasting manner. The inhibitory influence is not removed by AEA treatment when animals are not allowed to have sexual contact with the female immediately after AEA injection. The same result was found for the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone, the other treatment reported to induce copulation in rats classified as NC. These data suggest that sexual behavior expression could depend on two different neural mechanisms at two different moments: one involved in the display of the first copulatory response and another responsible for maintaining subsequent sexual behavior responding.
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Masturbation to Orgasm Stimulates the Release of the Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Humans
Article
  • Nov 2017
  • J SEX MED
Background: Endocannabinoids are critical for rewarding behaviors such as eating, physical exercise, and social interaction. The role of endocannabinoids in mammalian sexual behavior has been suggested because of the influence of cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists on rodent sexual activity. However, the involvement of endocannabinoids in human sexual behavior has not been studied. Aim: To investigate plasma endocannabinoid levels before and after masturbation in healthy male and female volunteers. Outcomes: Plasma levels of the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), anandamide, the endocannabinoid-like lipids oleoyl ethanolamide and palmitoyl ethanolamide, arachidonic acid, and cortisol before and after masturbation to orgasm. Methods: In study 1, endocannabinoid and cortisol levels were measured before and after masturbation to orgasm. In study 2, masturbation to orgasm was compared with a control condition using a single-blinded, randomized, 2-session crossover design. Results: In study 1, masturbation to orgasm significantly increased plasma levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG, whereas anandamide, oleoyl ethanolamide, palmitoyl ethanolamide, arachidonic acid, and cortisol levels were not altered. In study 2, only masturbation to orgasm, not the control condition, led to a significant increase in 2-AG levels. Interestingly, we also found a significant increase of oleoyl ethanolamide after masturbation to orgasm in study 2. Clinical Translation: Endocannabinoids might play an important role in the sexual response cycle, leading to possible implications for the understanding and treatment of sexual dysfunctions. Strengths and Limitations: We found an increase of 2-AG through masturbation to orgasm in 2 studies including a single-blinded randomized design. The exact role of endocannabinoid release as part of the sexual response cycle and the biological significance of the finding should be studied further. Cannabis and other drug use and the attainment of orgasm were self-reported in the present study. Conclusion: Our data indicate that the endocannabinoid 2-AG is involved in the human sexual response cycle and we hypothesize that 2-AG release plays a role in the rewarding consequences of sexual arousal and orgasm.
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“A Different Economy of Bodies and Pleasures”?: Differentiating and Evaluating Sex and Sexual BDSM Experiences
Article
  • Oct 2017
This study examines how BDSM participants understand sexual experiences. Data are drawn from 32 in-depth, semi-structured interviews and discussion board threads from a large BDSM community website. The analysis suggests that many BDSM participants perceive sexual BDSM experiences as not only significantly different from but also better than mainstream or “vanilla” sex. Three primary differentiation mechanisms are identified. First, BDSM participants construct sex as requiring genital contact while framing sexual BDSM as creating sexual fulfillment not requiring normative indicators of sexual experiences (e.g. orgasm). Second, participants construct sexual BDSM as centered around emotional and mental experiences, while perceiving sex as being centered around physical experiences. Third, participants perceive sexual BDSM experiences as facilitating deeper interpersonal connections than those available in sex. Importantly, these mechanisms serve not only a differentiating but also an evaluative function. Most participants in this study report a strong preference for sexual BDSM over sex.
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Addicted to Pain: A Preliminary Model of Sexual Masochism as Addiction
Article
  • Feb 2016
An exploratory, qualitative, phenomenological study focused on the experience of pain while participating in sexual masochistic acts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine individuals (four female, five male) who regularly participate in sexually masochistic acts and point to pain as central to their experience. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed several key characteristics of the participant's experience: the first time, intoxication, craving and withdrawal, tolerance, pain as control, and the pain inducing partner. The findings indicate that the way pain is experienced while mitigated through masochistic behavior creates an addictive process that coincides with a chronic behavioral spin contextualization. This article presents a preliminary model of addiction to physical pain in light of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) definition of substance-related and addictive disorders and the behavioral spin theory.
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